Standard Operating Procedures
(S.O.P.)

Before each mission, the following key considerations are:

• Weather
• Crew requirements
• Fuel
• Weight
• Safety
• Equipment
• Medical and Rescue Equipment
• Patient Care

Crew requirements:

• Number & status of patient/s i.e.: type and seriousness of injury or medical condition
• Medical equipment required - specialised or standard, i.e.: incubators, ventilators etc
• Patient management i.e.: is flying at altitude a restricting factor?
  

During each mission, the following key considerations are:

• Which is the best / most appropriate hospital to take the patient to?
• Communication with receiving hospital advising patient condition
• ETA (estimated time of arrival)
• What hospital department will be receiving the patient Post Mission.

Cleanup

• Sterilisation of trace infectious substances or fluids (blood) that could be residual from the mission
• Prevention of corrosion of rescue equipment - sea rescues require the helicopter to have a complet fresh water flush down and equipment to be greased or lubricated with a protectant.
• Ensure the Helicopter is fully fuelled for next mission.
• Paperwork i.e.: updating our mission database and flight and equipment maintenance logs.

Standby ready for the next mission!

Down time

• Maintaining Rescue and Operational equipment is essential.
• Personal fitness regime (the Crew have to pass regular fitness tests).
• Ongoing training i.e.: winch, Night Sun, Night Vision Goggles procedures, off-shore, night landings, medical.
• Equipment familiarisation (there is always new equipment to evaluate and trial).
• Rescue Technique Evaluation.